YZ 450f/RM250

[patcrosbie]

I'm looking to get a new bike and I will be riding 80% or so of MX and around 20% trails. The trails are usually not wide open and they are more tight, harescramble style stuff with some hills thrown in. I will be racing either in the 250C or 250B class. I'm pretty big at 5'11'' and 245lbs. and I want to know which bike, the (04 YZ 450f or the '04 RM 250) will be more competitive in MX and also which bike is a better choice for the trails. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :cool:

 

[patcrosbie]

Anybody have a suggestion?

 

[SamMiDD]

Hi there i have rode both bikes but both were 03 models.

Personally i prefered the RM250 but i am used to Rm's and 2 strokes. I see you ride a 426 at the moment so mayb you would be better off staying 4 stroke?

However this years 04 Rm250's motor is meant to be amazing! i'm geting to ride one next wednesday so i'll let you know if you want :)

 

[patcrosbie]

Sounds good. Thanks.

 

[SpectraSVT]

If your used to a 426 the RM250 might be a handful. I have an 03 YZ 250 and the engines are pretty close power wise with the RM having a much more violent hit. On the track, the RM will handle great and will get you thru the corners far quicker than a 450 will. Its flickable and feels lightweight. You will probably have to easier on the power cause it can break loose quick.

The 450 feels more top heavy and you have to make it corner. It won't do it for you. However, there is power galore there and at 245lbs you should get moving pretty easy on the thumper. The RM 250 might take some clutch work to get it up to speed if you ride a gear high.

I can't see either bike being all that friendly in the trails as both are extremely fast and don't like to lug around like a CRF450 will. My YZ has really smooth power and even it don't like to be lugged around.

Both bikes would be competitive as it is more rider skill than bike ability and your own comfort on the bike will determine your speed on the track. So pick what you think you will be comfortable on. You can't lose with either bike. you just have to decide what strengths and weaknesses you want or don't want. I would personally go for a good handling bike over lots of power. Corners are where races are won. If you have better corner speed than those in your class you will most likely beat em 9 times out of ten.

 

[patcrosbie]

Are there any little temporary things you can do for a YZ 450f to make it a little more trail friendly? Something like sprockets or fly wheel weights that you can change quickly so I can mx and trail ride.

 

[burchdogs]

you will find the 4 stroker smoother and has more usable power for a big guy or anybody for that matter...

 

[SpectraSVT]

YZF450 is not smooth...maybe compared to an RM250 but the YZF is nothing like a CRF 450 in power delivery. Power comes on fast and hard. its the most physically demanding 4 stroke to ride.

 

[burchdogs]

good point

 

[patcrosbie]

Sounds like a CRF 450 is a good bike.

 

[_j0kA_]

ive got an 04Rm250 and love it.. corners like no other and has a strong motor

i got some pix and stuff on my site, check it out
http://members.rogers.com/tojcic

 

[SpectraSVT]

Its more the rider than the bike. Buddy bought an 04 CRF450 then dumped his 03 CR250 and he's just as slow as he always was.

 

[patcrosbie]

So is there any temporary mods you can do for the YZ 450f for trails for weekends that I'm not racing?

 

[patcrosbie]

Well, I just got back from riding my friend's stock YZ 250 two stroke and I loved it. I loved the style of power and didn't find that I had to do much clutch work to get it goin out of corners and stuff. The only thing is that I don't have an opinion on the 450f becuase I've never rode one and don't know anyone with one. Also I found that it could putt around okay fine for trails and stuff.

 

[_j0kA_]

see, you like the 2 stroke! the 450 is a lot to handle, i say go for an RM250 or a YZ250 (i was a 125 only rider before, i rode a friends 01YZ250 and 3 weeks later i bought an 04RM250, i love them)

 

[patcrosbie]

Well, since I found out that the two stroke really isn't that bad for woods at all is the YZ 450f just exaggerated and really not that bad either?

 

[_j0kA_]

no, the 450 is definately not exaggerated! even pros will tell you its enough to rip the arms out of your sockets, not to mention it feels like it weighs a lot more then a 250 2 stroke

 

[patcrosbie]

The other thing that concerns me about a 2 stroke is I've heard they have real bad resale. Another thing that makes me want a 4 stroke is that they are very popular at races where I live. It seems like everyone has one but what I don't like is the weight and it is hard to start (cause its a 4 stroke).

 

[SpectraSVT]

I don't think the YZF has that good of a resale value because CRF's are so popular and most people are intimidated by what is said about the sheer brute power the YZF has. For 2 strokes the YZ's sell better than RM's. Quality is considered better with Yamaha. RM and YZ are very similar engine wise except the YZ dosn't have hit. Its smooth.

 

[SpectraSVT]

Also, pick up this month's issue of Motocross Action. I think they review Dr. D's YZF and really liked it. Much more rideable than stock...but you got to spend some $$$$ to get it that way. Good read though!

 

[patcrosbie]

Thanks alot, will do! ; )

 

[patcrosbie]

Also, what about starting? How does the 450 start? I don't think it will bother me for mx but it may in the middle of the woods.

 

[rickyd]

Also, pick up this month's issue of Motocross Action. I think they review Dr. D's YZF and really liked it. Much more rideable than stock...but you got to spend some $$$$ to get it that way. Good read though!

They mentioned something about his bike having power like a crf..

Im going too make the switch this year, the power delivery has me leaning towards a CRF450R
RIck

 

[patcrosbie]

Yea, I just picked up that magazine today. They spend a lot making it into a CRF 450.

 

[SpectraSVT]

Well if a bike has smooth power than everybody says its like a CRF. Don't think its actually like the CRF just smoother than stock. Its still a 4 speed so its gonna be different.